Windows 8.1 Pro can't add Windows Media Center

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by ruslanshchur, Dec 27, 2021.

  1. ruslanshchur

    ruslanshchur MDL Senior Member

    Sep 13, 2020
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    Why I get error You can't add features to this edition of Windows while attempting to install Windows Media Center? And I can't find proper workarounds
     
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  2. kaljukass

    kaljukass MDL Guru

    Nov 26, 2012
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    Maybe You want to tell us a little more about your system and how and what kind of Windows Media Center you're trying to install.
    And you probably haven't forgotten that for Windows 8-8.1, Medicenter requires a separate activation.
     
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  3. ruslanshchur

    ruslanshchur MDL Senior Member

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    #3 ruslanshchur, Dec 27, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2021
    (OP)
    I have Windows 8.1 Pro (Retail, of course), and I am trying to install WMC via Add features
     
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  4. kaljukass

    kaljukass MDL Guru

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    #4 kaljukass, Dec 27, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2021
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  5. acer-5100

    acer-5100 MDL Guru

    Dec 8, 2018
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    Don't waste your time, Just use the patched version for win 10 (v 8.8.1 by t-s) it requires one click and it works on any flavour of w8.1 and server 2012R2 (not w8 or server 2012)
     
  6. ruslanshchur

    ruslanshchur MDL Senior Member

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    But I prefer to use officially sanctioned method to install WMC (via Add features)
     
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  7. acer-5100

    acer-5100 MDL Guru

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    Do what you prefer, but keep in mind that w10 version has more features. For example is not blocked on remote Sessions and not affected by the annoying pop-up about the end of wmc online services.

    Also a kms activated w81 Pro/enterprise lasts for 180 days not 30 or 45 days like the official wmc.
     
  8. kaljukass

    kaljukass MDL Guru

    Nov 26, 2012
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    But that's exactly how it should be done!
    Don't you really know that it's paid and completely separate feature/device and it needs a separate license?
    Do You have bought it ever? It's not free feature.
     
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  9. ruslanshchur

    ruslanshchur MDL Senior Member

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    #9 ruslanshchur, Dec 28, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2021
    (OP)
    But however, Windows 8.1 Core lets me to upgrade it to Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center. One question: Why Windows 8.1 Pro (even Retail) does not let me to add WMC?
     
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  10. ruslanshchur

    ruslanshchur MDL Senior Member

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    #10 ruslanshchur, Dec 28, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2021
    (OP)
    The generic product key for it is available on internet for free, so, it is not a problem for me
     
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  11. ExtremeGrief

    ExtremeGrief MDL Addicted

    Jun 2, 2020
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    AFAIK, generic key doesn't work for upgrading SKU.
     
  12. Enthousiast

    Enthousiast MDL Tester

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    #12 Enthousiast, Dec 28, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2021
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  13. Enthousiast

    Enthousiast MDL Tester

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